December baby goats have arrived!

We’re happy to share that our adorable December baby goats have arrived, and they are absolutely precious. All of the babies are already spoken for, and we’re so grateful for the wonderful families who will be welcoming them soon.

We’ve been hard at work with goat social hour, spending time each day handling, cuddling, and gently teaching manners. The babies are coming along beautifully and are already showing friendly, curious personalities. It’s such a joy to see them confidently approaching us and interacting with one another.

All of the mamas are doing great, the babies are thriving, and their coloring and markings are simply stunning. We’re so excited to watch them continue to grow over the next few weeks and to send them off to their new homes next month.

Thank you to everyone who follows along and supports our little herd — we love sharing these special moments with you!

Hoover Stew (aka Hobo Stew or Depression Stew)

We have been stretching what we have in the freezer,  and this recipe that I found on the internet has been a hit with the kids. It's super easy and I always have the ingredients on hand.

Hoover Stew (aka Hobo Stew or Depression Stew)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4–5 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 can (15–16 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh chopped tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) corn or mixed vegetables 

• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, undrained

• 6-8 cups water or broth

•Knorr Leek soup mix (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot; drain excess fat if desired.

2. Add all remaining ingredients.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–45 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve with cornbread or crackers.  (Serves 6-8)

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

 We are almost to Thanksgiving, but here in Central California my garden is still going.  Particularly my peppers.  This evening I harvested some beautiful Poblano peppers (top row in picture), and came up with the following recipe to serve them for dinner.  They were kid and husband approved.  Delicious!

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.  Lay cup side up in a greased cast iron skillet. Fill each pepper side with homemade chili and top with shredded cheese.  Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts and the peppers are tender. Suggested toppings: sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, Fritos.  

Homemade Persimmon Cookies: Soft, Cakey, and Surprisingly Simple

• • I always thought persimmon cookies were one of those “advanced” baking recipes — the kind you admire but never actually try. But this year, we let our persimmons ripen until they were perfectly soft, blended them into a silky purée, and decided to give it a go. And wow… I wish I had tried them sooner!

    These homemade persimmon cookies are soft, cakey, full of warm fall flavor, and unbelievably easy to make. No tricky steps, no fancy equipment — just ripe persimmons, a quick purée, and a simple dough that bakes into little clouds of deliciousness.

    My son, Moose, and I made a batch together, and not only did we end up with a kitchen that smelled amazing, but we had such a fun time baking together. And the cookies? Let’s just say they disappeared fast.

    If you’ve never made persimmon cookies before, give it a try — they might become a new favorite on your fall baking list!

  • 

  • Homemade Persimmon Cookies

  • ½ cup butter, room temperature

• • 1 cup white sugar

• • 2 ripe persimmons, pureed

  • 1 large egg

• • 2 cups all-purpose flour

• • 1 teaspoon baking soda

• • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • Optional add-ins, any combination to equal 1 cup: chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Cream butter with sugar. Beat in persimmons and egg. Add flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.  Mix until combined. Stir in add ins if desired.

  4. Drop by spoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheet.  Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes.

Welcome to the farm, Harry!

Our sweet Barbados Blackbelly sheep, Harriet, had been feeling a little lonesome lately. She made it clear that goats just weren’t quite the right companions for her.

As luck would have it, we found out that her cousin Harry was still available — so today we went and picked him up! The moment they saw each other, they were absolutely thrilled to be reunited.

And as you can see in the picture, Moose is just as excited to have another sheep on the farm! We’re so happy to welcome Harry to Gracie Acres — it already feels like he’s been here all along.

🍌🍓 Banana Berry Soft Serve Ice Cream🍌🍓

🍌🍓 Banana Berry Soft Serve Ice Cream🍌🍓

This recipe is a family favorite here at Gracie Acres — my kids absolutely love it! It’s quick, creamy, and full of fruity sweetness, with no ice cream maker needed. On warm afternoons, it’s the perfect treat to cool down and enjoy together.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

• 3 cups sliced bananas (about 3 medium)

• 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Combine the bananas, berries, and sweetened condensed milk in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe bowl and freeze for 2–3 hours, or until soft-serve consistency.

4. Scoop, serve cold, and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

There’s nothing better than ending a warm day with a bowl of this sweet, simple soft serve ice cream — shared with the people you love most. 

Meet Harriet — Our New Barbados Blackbelly Sheep!

We have a new face here at Gracie Acres — everyone, meet Harriet! She’s a beautiful 3-month-old Barbados Blackbelly sheep with the softest brown coat and the gentlest eyes. Her main job? Looking adorable and helping us out by eating cheeseweed — a pesky plant our goats completely ignore!

Harriet may be small, but she’s already made a big impression. The entire goat herd has been buzzing with curiosity since she arrived — lots of sniffing and staring. She’s taking it all in stride, exploring her new home while the goats try to figure out this fluffy newcomer.

We’re so excited to have her join the farm family. Welcome to the crew, Harriet — we can already tell you’re going to fit right in (and make the pastures look even better while you’re at it)!